Newspaper Releases

NEWSPAPERCOMMUNITY EDUCATION02/27/19

Registration for Classes - For more information on classes and trips, or to register, call the Community Education office – (320) 843-4545.Register on-line by visiting the Benson Public Schools website, www.benson.k12.mn.us, clicking on the Online Payments box in the left column, and then clicking the Community Education button. * * * * *

New Program Ideas Wanted – Community Education is always looking for adults to share their talents, skills, expertise, hobbies and career experiences with students of all ages!A teaching degree is not necessary.Classes are flexible because they are built around the needs of the people involved.Call Shelly at 843-4545 if you would like to teach a class or if you have an innovative idea for a class or activity.We welcome your ideas!!* * * * *

Beginning Genealogy or How Did We End Up Here – Do you ever wonder how your family ended up here or if that family story about how your great-grandparents eloped is true?Sign up for this class and learn how to answer most – but not all your questions – there are always more questions.You will learn how to set up a “genealogical office system” that works for you and grows with you as your needs change; selection and use of archival materials for document and heirloom preservation; pay versus free software & online services; documenting to CGPS Standards and so much more:Researching your family is not just fun – it can be addicting.The class will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 5 through March 28, 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the BHS Computer Lab.Cost is $30.00.Donna Jackson is the instructor.Register online or by calling Benson Community Education at 320-843-4545.

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Livin’ La Vida Lutheran: Looney Lifestyle Tips for Livelier Living – A team of professional actresses appear as “the Looney Lutherans” in a presentation entitled Livin’ La Vida Lutheran.Using music, comedy, and lots of audience interaction, the Loonies share their unique tips for living a livelier life.Using the principles of the “6HHP” (the 6 “Happy Heart” petals), the Looney Lutherans take the audience on a journey to the JOYFUL HEART.Segments include the Menopause Medley, Lutheran Yoga, and Do-it-yourself Beauty Tips.(And you don’t have to be Lutheran to love ‘em!)The show, sponsored by Benson Community Education, will be Sunday, March 24, 2019 at the DeMarce Theatre.Show time is 1:30 p.m.; doors open at 12:30 p.m.All tickets are general seating.Advance tickets are $10.00.Tickets at the door are $15.00.

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First Aid and CPR – We are partnering with the Swift County-Benson Health Services for Heartsaver CPR/AED/First Aid.This is a classroom, video-based, instructor led course that teaches students critical skills needed to respond to and manage a first aid, choking or sudden cardiac arrest emergency.Upon successful course completion, you will receive an American Heart Association course completion card that is valid for 2 years.The next course is tentatively scheduled for April 2019. Call Benson Community Education at 320-843-4545 to register.

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Sunday Open Gym – Open Gym is from 1:00 – 3:30 pm in the senior high gym.Participants should bring their own basketball.To keep the gym floor clean and dry, please carry in your basketball/tennis shoes.Use the main entrance in the high school circle drive (Door #1).Last year, we had many wonderful businesses and individuals that sponsored Open Gym to keep it free.If you would like to sponsor a week of Open Gym for $50, please contact Community Education at 320-843-4545.

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Firearms Safety – This course will provide necessary training needed before using firearms.The instructors will cover the history of firearms, conservation, hunting ethics, first aid, plus presentation on hunting rules and regulations.The students are required to provide a firearm for class – DO NOT bring a firearm to the first class (instructors will talk about this at the first class).The course will conclude with a written test.Students will also be required to take a field trip and participate in live firing.After class is successfully completed, a parent will need to go on-line to register for the student’s DNR certificate (this fee will be approximately $7.50).The class is open to anyone who will be 11 years of age by the start of class.A parent must attend the beginning of the first session to fill out a DNR form.Class begins Monday, February 25,and will meet for eight Monday evenings in Sr. High classroom #330 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. A field trip will be held at the completion of the classroom instruction.The date of the field trip is to be determined.The cost of the class is $7.00.Please register online or by calling Community Education at 320-843-4545.

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Mama Mia @ Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, Saturday, September 28 – One mom. One daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you'll never forget! ABBA's hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman's search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. A large cast, non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers combine to make Mamma Mia! a guaranteed smash hit! Cost is $85.00 which includes chartered coach bus, dinner and reserved ticket. Departure and return times will be determined as the trip date draws closer. Register online or by calling Benson Community Education at 320-843-4545.

* * * * * Adult Basic Education (ABE/GED/ESL) – Learning is lifelong. Do you want free help to improve your reading skills, writing skills, spelling and/or math skills? Do you want free help to study for the GED, develop good employment skills, and/or learn English as a Second Language? The classes are held on Monday nights from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., Benson Senior High classroom #323 (use entrance #2). The instructor is Pam Hamann. No registration is needed! Drop-ins are welcome! All programs are FREE! For more information or if you have questions, call Benson Community Education at 320-843-4545.

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Discovery Kids –Discovery Kids offers extended learning care from 5:30 am-6:30 pm Monday through Friday for children ages 6 weeks through 6th grade. We are located on the ground level and 1st floor of Benson Elementary (old JH building). Use entrance #33. Infants, toddler, pre-school and school-age kids will all be in separate rooms. Preschool and school-aged children will be bussed by Benson Public Schools to and from Northside Elementary and to Summer Rec activities. A staff member will drive, or will accompany, students on the bus. Discovery Kids will provide one meal and two snacks for a child who is in attendance at the time of serving. We are accepting registrations for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children. The registration form and handbook are available on the school website. More information can be found on the Discovery Kids website: discoverykidsbenson.com. Discovery Kids direct dial phone number is 842-2723.

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Senior Defensive Driving Classes – Defensive Driving classes are offered to people 55 years of age and over to review and discuss courteous driving and the rules of the road.If you are 55 years of age and older, you receive 10% off your auto insurance for three years, after completing the eight-hour class.You must repeat the class every three years and can do this with the four-hour class.The classes are held at the Benson High School Library.Pre-registration is necessary.Cost is $17.00 per class (payable to Benson Public Schools).Registration and payment are due one week prior to the class.Register online or by calling Community Education at 320-843-4545.The classes are produced by the MN Safety Council.

* Tues, Mar 12 (4 hour refresher class) 5:30-9:30 p.m.

* Tues, Apr 9 and Thurs, Apr 11 (8 hour initial class) 5:30-9:30 p.m.

*Tues, May 7 (4 hour initial class) 5:30-9:30 p.m.

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Driver’s Education Classes – This class fulfills the mandatory 30 hours of classroom instruction.Classroom work can be done prior to being 15 years of age but the students must be 15 years of age to take the permit test.After passing the permit test, arrangements for Behind the Wheel will be made.The 16-year old student may take the road test after the required six months of practice driving (which will include the six hours of Behind the Wheel training).Call Community Education at 320-843-4545 to register.The next session of classroom instruction will be June 2019. Roger Lindahl is the instructor.

Written drivers’ tests have resumed in Benson. They will be given on the 2nd Thursday of each month. For more information, contact the MN Driver’s License Exam Station in Willmar, 320-231-1735.